Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) walks off the field after his team's 23-20 overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay,... (Associated Press)

(Newser)
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Brett Favre is retiring, Fox Sports reports, capping a gritty 17-year career that saw the Green Bay Packers return to the NFL's elite. The three-time MVP has often reversed course on retirement in the past, but his agent confirmed the report for ESPN, saying the quarterback notified the team last night. His brother Scott confirmed the news to the Biloxi Sun Herald.

Favre is coming off a spectacular comeback season in which he passed for 4,155 yards and was named Sports Illustrated’sSportsman of the Year. The NFL’s all-time leader in wins, passing yards, touchdowns, and consecutive games started, he departs with one Super Bowl ring.